Traffic counting circuits



Jan. 6, 1942.

B. COOPER TRAFFIC COUNTING CRCUITS 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 4, 1940Q T EN /Q b" N v Tv muv . mu Q* hb @C 5m:

4Jam. 6, 1942.

B. COOPER' TRAFFIC COUNTING CIRCUITS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept.

O o VVENTOR.

.en/am zn 0010er BY fg' [A ATTORYEY.

AIV @N Jan. 6, 1942. B. COOPER TRAFFC COUNTING CIRCUITS 3 Sheets-sheet 3Filed Sept. 4, 1940 @wi MNE INVENTOR.

j@ ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 6, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT CFFICEv Y TRAFFIC COUNTINGCIRCUITS BenJamin Cooper, Jersey City, N. J.

Application September 4, 1940, Serial No. 355,330

(Cl. 23S-.92)

. 30 Claims.

This invention relates to tramo counting circuits. It is particularlydirected to improved means' for counting and totalizing, on a singlecounter, the vehicular trame on a multi-lane highway. l

This application is a.` continuation in part of applicant's co-pendingapplication, Serial No. 265,290, filed on March 3l, 1939 for Trafllccounting circuits.

Heretofo're, in trame counting installations onl a multi-lane highway, atreadle switch was ernbedded in each lane of the highway for actuationby the wheels of a vehicle, and each treadle controlled a circuitoperating a counter to count the vehicle axles passing over the saidlane. In such installations it was necessary to add the counts oi' eachcounter in order to obtain the total count in all lanes. Furthermore,the initial cost oi such installations proved expensive, and theoperating expenses attached thereto also proved to be slightly higherthan most road authorities had anticipated.

In the installation of traffic counting systems it has been found thatvehicles will often come to a standstill with either the front or rearwheels resting on the treadle. thereby holding the treadle switchclosed, sometimes for long periods, impressing a continuous impulse onthe counting circuit, instead of a momentary impulse as when the wheelsof a vehicle roll over the treadle. Furthermore, vehicles usually crossthe treadles in the diilere'nt lanes, simultaneously or substantiallyso, so that the time between actuation of treadles is less than it takesto operate a counter.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide for amulti-lane highway, having a treadle switch embedded in each lane, atrame counting circuit for registering on a counter con- ,Y

trolled by a single electro-magnet, the total count of all vehicle axleswhich pass over the treadle switches in the lanes, irrespective of theduration of the actuation of the treadle switches, said circuitincluding means for registering on the counter the simultaneousactuations of two or more treadle switches in the various lanes, or anyactuations of switches separated by a period less than is required tooperate the counter.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a counting circuit ofthe character described, means to prevent the registration oftheactuation of a treadle switch unless said treadle switch is restoredto its initial condition. l

It is very often desirable to. count vehicles rather than vehicle axles.As the number of three-axled vehicles are negligible when compared tothe number of two-axled vehicles, a counting circuit which' will allowthe registration of one count on the counter for each two actuations oi'a treadle switch will give an accurate vehicle count, especially on ourmotor parkways, toll bridges and tunnels, and in our national and stateparks where two-axled vehicles predominate.

It is, therefore, still a further -object of this invention to providein a counting circuit of the character described, means to actuate thetotalizing counter only once for the passage oi' two vehicle axles overthe treadles in the lanes, said circuit including further means toprevent the registration of false counts on said counter irrespective ofthe duration of closures of the treadle switches.

On some highways there are lanes for trame in one direction only, andcommon lanes for twoway trame. Thus. in a three-lane highway, oneoutside lane is-used for traiilc in one direction. and the other outsidelane is used for traiilc in the opposite direction, while the centerlane may be used i'or traiilc movingv in either direction.

It is, therefore, still another object o1' this invention to provide atratlic counting circuit of the character described, to count thevehicle traillc moving in one direction on one counter, and to count thevehicle tramo moving in the opposite direction on another counter, saidcircuit including means to register on the proper directional counterthe traillcmoving in either direction in lanes used in common on whichtrame may move in either direction.

Anotherobject of this invention is to provide a counting circuit of thecharacter described which may be readily'expanded to use any desirednumber of switches, and which maybe readily reduced to as i'ew switchesas desired.

Another object of this invention is to produce a highly improved circuitoi' the character described which shall be relatively inexpensive tomanufacture, positive in operation, and practical and eiilcient to ahigh degree in use.

Other objects of this invention will, in part, become obvious and, inpart, be hereinafter pointed out.

This invention accordingly consists in features oi' construction,combination of elements, and arrangement ofparts which are exemplifiedin construction hereinafter described, and of which the scop of thisapplication will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. l is a wiring diagram of a counting circuit embodying the inventionfor totaiizing traffic in aplurality of lanes;

Fig. 2 is a wiring diagram of a counting circuit embodying the inventionfor totalizing trafiic in a plurality ot lanes, and adapted to countevery other vehicle axle; and

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram of a counting circuit embodying the inventionfor totalizing traii'ic on a three-lane highway wherein the center lanemay be used by vehicles passing in either di rection. I-

Referring now in detail to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there is illustrateda circuit embodying the invention comprising single switch treadles, A,B, C, and D, of any suitable construction embedded, one in each of theylanes of a highway, traversely of thelane. Each treadle switch com'-prises two contacts .Ai-A2, BI-B2, CI-C2, and Di--D2, respectively. Eachswitch may comprise a pair Aof long metallic top and bottom stripsnormally out of contact and positioned perpen= dicularly to the normaldirection of vehicular vtrafflcso that a wheel passing over one o thetreadle switches will press the two contacts thereof together and closethe switch, the switch opening when the wheel rolls oli the treadle.

Associated with each treadie A, B, C, and D are three relays numberedA3, Ali! and A29; B3,

BI@ and B20; C3, CI9 and C2i); and D3, Di@ and I D20, respectively.v Forpurposes hereinafter appearing, the relays A3, B3, C3 and D3 will bereferred toas operating relays, relays Alti, Bit. Cit and Dill will bereferred to as primary relays, and relaysy A20, B29, C2@- and D29 willbe referred to as secondary relays.

Operating relays A3, BB, C3 and D3 have actuating coils A6, B4, Cd andDt, respectively. Primary relays AIU, Biil, Ci@ and Dit have actuatingcoils Ai I, BI I, CI i, and Di i, respectively; and the secondary-relaysAZiL B2, C22, and D29 have actuating coils A2i, B2i, C2i and D2i,respectively.

Associated with each of the operating relays A3, B3, and C3 are threeswitch arms adapted to be actuated by their respective relays. Thefollowing description is limited to the purposes and operation of buttwo switches; the purpose and operation of the third switch arm will behereinafter disclosed.

Associated with operating relay A3 are two switch arms A5 and A9. Switcharm A5 is normally open and is adapted to engage iixed contact A6 whenthe relay A3 is energized. Switch arm A9 is normally in engagement withfixed contact AI 9 but is adapted to be moved into open position whensaid relay is energized.

y Associated with the operating relay B3 are two switch arms B5 and B9.Switch arm B5 is normally open and is adapted to engage the fixedcontact B6 upon energization of relay B3. Switch arm B9 is normally inengagement with xed' contact BI9 and is adapted to be moved into openposition when said relay is energized.

Associated with relay C3 are two switch arms C5 and C9. Switch arm C5 isnormally open and is adapted to engage iixed contact C6 upon energizingsaid-relay. Switch arm C9 normally engages xed contact CIB and isadapted to be moved into open position upon energizing said relay.

Associated with the operating relay D3 are two switch arms D5 and D9.Switch arm D5 is normally open and adapted to engage fixed contact D8upon energizing the relay and switch arm D9 is normally in engagementwith fixed contact DI 9 and adapted to be moved into open position uponenergizing said relay.

Associated with the primary relay AIG are the three switch arms AI2, Aitand Ait. Switch armAiZ is normally in engagement with fixed contact AISand is adapted to be moved into open position upon energizing relay Ai.Switch arm Aid is normally in open position and is adapted to engagefixed contact Ait upon energizing said relay.v Switch arm Ait isnormally in engagement with xed contact AIS and is adapted to be movedinto open position in respect therewith and into engagement with fixedcontact Ai i upon energizing said relay.

Associated with the relay Biti are three switch arms BH2, Bid and Bit.Switch arm BI2 normally engages xed contact BIS and is adapted to bemoved into open position upon energizing relay Biti. Switch arm Bid isnormally in open position and adapted to engage iixed contact BI! uponenergizing the relay. Switch arm BIG normally engages iixed contact Biaand is adapted to be moved out of engagement therewith and intoengagement with iixed contact Ai i upon energizing said relay.

Associated withthe primary relay Ci il are three switch arms Ci2, Ciiand Cit. Switch arm CI2 normally engages iixed contact Cit and isadapted to be moved into open position upon energizing relay CI. Switcharm Citi is normally in open position and is adapted to engage fixedcontact C i5 upon energizing said relay. Switch arm CIS normally engagesfixed contact CES and is adapted to be moved out of engagement therewithand into engagement with fixed contact Cil upon en'- ergizing saidrelay.

Associated with the primary relay Di@ are` also three switch arms Di2,Dit and DIE.' Switch arm Di2 normally engages fixed contact Di3 and isadapted to be moved into open position upon energizing relay Di. Switcharm Dit is normally in open position and is adapted to engage xedcontact Di5 upon energizing said relay. Switch arm Dit is normally inopen position and is adapted to engage fixed contact Dii upon energizingsaid relay.

Associated with the secondary relay A29 are four switch arms A22, A26,A25 and A28. Switch arms A22 and A26 normally engage fixed contacts A23and A2i, respectively, and are adapted to be moved into open positionupon energizatlon of the relay. Switch arms A29 and A28 are normally inopen position and are adapted to engage xed contacts A25 and A29respectively upon energization of said relay.

Associated with the secondary relay B29 are ve switch arms B36, B22,B24, B26 and B28. Switch arms B36, B22 and B26 normally engage fixedcontacts B35, B23 and B27, respectively, and are adapted to be movedinto open position upon energizing relay B29. Switch arms B24 and B28are normally in open position and are adapted to engage xed contacts B25and B29, respectively, upon energizing said relay. Y

Associated with secondary relay C20 are also live switch arms C36, C22,C24, C26 and C29. Switch arms C35, C22 and C26 normally engage iixedcontacts C35, C23, and C21, respectively. and are adapted to be movedinto open position upon energizing the relay. Switch arms C24 and C29are normally in open position and are adapted to engage fixed contactsC25 and C29, respectively, upon energizing said relay.

Associated with the secondary relay D are four switch arms D38, D24, D26and D28. Switch arms D36 and D21 normally engage fixed contacts D38 andD31, respectively, and are adapted to be moved into open position uponenergizing the relay. Switch arms D24 and D28 are normally open andadapted to engage fixed contacts D and D29, respectively, uponenergizing said relay.

It will be noted that the 'secondary relays of the first and lasttreadles each control four switches, whereas the secondary relays ofintermediate treadles each control iive switches.

In the circuit there is provided an electromagnetic counter E of anysuitable construction, having an electro-magnet provided with theactuating coil 3I and controlling the counting mechanism 32. Associatedwith the electromagnet 30 is a switch arm 34 normally engaging xedcontact 33 and adapted to be moved into open position upon energizationof said electromagnet.

The contact strips AI, BI, CI, and DI are connected to negative powersupply. The other contact strips A2, B2', C2 and D2 are connected bywires A31, B31, C31 and D31 to the coils A4, B4, C4 and D4, espectively.'I'he other ends of coils A4, B4, C4 and D4 are connected to plus powersupply.

Fixed contacts A6, B6, C6 and D6 are connected to minus power supply.Switch arms A5, B5, C5 and`D5 are connected by wires A38, B38, C38 andD38 to the coils AII, BII, CII and DII, respectively. Switch arms A9,B3, C9 and D9 are connected by wires A39, B39, C33 and D33, to the fixedcontacts All, BI1, CI1 and DI1, respectively. Contacts AI9, BI 3, CI9and DI 3 are connected by wires A40, B40, C and D40 to the coils A2I,B2I, C2I and D2I, respectively.

The other end of each of coils All, BII, CII and DII is connected toplus power supply. The fixed contacts AI3, BI3, CI3 and DI3 areconnected to minus power supply. The switch arms AI2, BI2, CI2 and DI2are connected by`wires A44, B44, C44 and D44 to the iixed contacts A25,B25, C25 and D25, respectively. Switch arms AI4, BI4, CI4 and DI4 areconnected by wires A45, B45, C and D45 to the fixed contacts A21, B21,C21 and D21, respectively. Fixed contacts AI5, BI5, CI5 and DI5, areconnected to the coils AII, BII, CII and DII, respectively. Fixedcontacts AIB, BI8 and CIB are connected by wires A41, B41 and C41 to theswitch arms A22, B22, and C22, respectively.

The switch arm AIS is connected by the wire A43 and wire 48 to the fixedcontact 33 and by the wire A43 and wire A49 to the fixed contact A29.The switch arms BI6 and CI6 are connected by the wires B43 and C43 andwires 50 and 5I to the iixed contacts A23 and B22, respectively. Switcharm DI6 is connected by wire 52 to a iixed Contact C23.

The switch arms A24, B24, C24 and D24 are connected by wires A54, B54,C54 and D54, re-

Vspectively, and by wires and 56 to coil 3| of the counter E. The switcharms A26, B26, C26 and D26 are connected to minus power supply. Switch'arms A28, B28, C28 and D28 are connected by wires A51, B51, C51 and D51to the wires A40, B40, C40 and D40, respectively. The fixed contactsB29, C29 and D29 are connected by wires B58, C58 and D58 to the wire 48which leads to the fixed contact 33.

Switch arms B36 and C36 are connected by of the electro-magnet 30 toplus power supply,

wires 6I and 62 to the fixed contacts C36 and D35, respectively. CoilA2I is connected by wire to the iixed contact B35; coil B2I is connectedby wire 6I to the iixed contact C36; coil C2I is` connected by wire 62to the xed contact D35 and coil D2I is connected to the switch arm D36.Switch arm D35 is connected to plus power supply- For purposeshereinafter appearing, the two circuits appearing in heavier lines inFig. l, will be known as chain circuits. The circuit emanating from thenegative power supply and traceable through switch 34-33, wires 48 andA43, switch AI 6-AI8, wire A41, switch A22-A23, wires 50 and B43, switchBI6-BI8, wire B41, switch B22B23, wires 5I and C43, switch CI6-CI8, wireC41, switch C22-C23, wire 52 to switch arm DI 6, will be referred to asthe negative chain. The circuit emanating from the positive power supplyand traceable through switch D36--D35, wire 62, switch C36-C35, wire 6I,switch E36-B35, and wire 60 to one side of coil A2I will be referred toas the positive chain.

The operation of the circuit will now be described when a vehicle wheelpasses over and closes any treadle switch, such as-C.

When treadle circuit C is closed relay C3 becomes energized, the circuitbeing through wire C31 and coil C4. Switch C9-CI9 opens and switch C5-C6closes, completing a circuit from minus power supply through wire C38and coil CII to plus power supply energizing the primary relay C I 0.

Energizing the primary relay CID will open switches CI2-CI3 and CIB-CIBand close the switches CI4-CI5 and CI6-CI1. Closing switch CI4-CI5completes a holding circuit for coil CII, the circuit being throughswitch CI4-CI5, wire C45, switch OZB-C21, to minus power supply, therebymaintaining relay CII) energized after the wheels of a vehicle roll overthe treadle allowing the switch C I-C2 to open.

Opening the treadle switch C will allow the operating relay C3 to becomede-energized permitting switch CSi-CIS to close. Closing of switchC9-CI3 will energize the secondary relay C20, by connecting one end ofthe coil C2I of said relay to the negative chain heretofore described.The circuit connection to the negative chain oi' coil C2I is through thewire C40, the switch C9-CI9, wire C39, switch CI6-CI1 and wire 5I.

The other end of coil C2I is connected to the wire 62 of the positivechain heretofore described.

It will be noted that to energize the secondary relay C20, treadleswitch C must open to allow operating relay C3 to become de-energizedthereby permitting switch C9-CI9 to close, to complete the energizingcircuit for the secondary relay.

Energizing the secondary relay C20 will close the switches C24-C25 andC28-C29 and open the switch C26-C21, By closing switch C28-C29 a holdingcircuit is completed to hold relay C20 energized when primary relay CIObecomes deenergized, the circuit being from the coil C2I of said relay,through the wires C40 and C51, switch 028-029, wire C58 to wire 48 ofthe negative chain. Opening switch C2G-C21 wili open the holding circuitof the primary relay CIO allowing said relay to become fie-energized.

By de-energizing the primary relay CID, switch CI2-CI3l closescompleting a circuit to actuate the counter E. The completed circuit isfrom minus power supply, switch CI2-CI3, wire C44, switch C24-C25, wiresC54, 55 and 56, coil 3l The electro-magnet 30 actuates the countingmechanism 32,' thereby registering one count on the counter E ior thepassage of a wheel over the treadle C.

By energizing the electro-magnet 3|. switch 34-33 opens, thereby openingthe circuit of the negative chain. 'I'he secondary relay C20 becomesde-energized allowing switch C24-C25 to .again open. By opening switchC24-C26, the circuit of the counter coil 3i will be opened, permittingthe de-energization of the said coil. Thus, the entire counting circuitis restored to normal for reactuation by the closure oi another treadle.

It will be noted that the procedure for actuating/the counter comprisesbriefly the following: nrstly, the actuation of any treadle excites thecorresponding operating relay, said relay closing a. circuit to energizeits corresponding primary relay; secondly, the energization of theprimary relay completes a holding circuit for itself through a switcharm controlled by its associated unexcited secondary relay; thirdly, theenergization of the primary relay energizes its associated secondaryrelay, provided the positive and negative chains are in condition topermit said energization, as heretofore explained; Iourthly, theenergization of the secondary relay causes the de-energization of itsassociated primary relay, thereby completing a circuitthrough a counter'coil and permitting registration of an axle count on the counter; andflfthly, the actuation of the counter resets the circuit for furtheroperation by another set of vehicle wheels.

If two treadles are actuated, one as soon after the other that thecounter does not complete the count of the irst actuation before thesecond treadle is actuated, the counter will nevertheless count theactuations in sequence.

The operation of the counting circuit will now be described when atreadle is actuated so soon after actuation of another treadle that thesecondary relay, associated with the other treadle, ls still energized.Assuming that treadle switch B is closed while secondary relay C20 isenergized, due to' a prior actuation of treadle C, said closure oftreadle B energizes relay B3 to energize the primary relay Bill, saidprimary relay then being held excited through switches Bid- BIS andB2S-B2i. However, since the positive chain has been disrupted at switchC35-C35 by the now energized relay C20, relay B20 cannot be energizedand relay Bill remains energized after treadle switch C is released.However, as soon as relay C20 actuates the counter, and is released byopening of switch 34-33, the positive chain is re-established at switchCSS-C35. Relay B20 is then able to become energized for releasing itsprimary relay Bi0,

and two treadles are actuated close together, the secondary relays forsaid treadles are energized successively in the order in which thetreadles are closed.

The circuit will also count simultaneous actu-A ations of the treadles.

The operation of the circuit will now be described when severaltreadles, such as B, C, and D are operated simultaneously. In a mannersimilar to that heretofore described, the operating relays B3, C3 and D3will be energized, energizing their respective primary relays Bl0, Ci@and Dit?. Since none of the secondary relays have yet been energized,the positive chain has not been disrupted, but the negative chain iscomplete only to switch arm EEO, thereby allowing only relay B20 tobecome energized. The primary relays C I 0 and Di 0 accordingly willboth remain energized under the inuence of their respective holdingcircuits, as heretofore described, ater their treadle switches arereleased. As relay B20 en ergizes, it opens the negative chain at switchB22, B23, thereby preventing relay C20 from energizing until relay B20has energized the counter and become de-energized. Relay C20 is thenallowed to energize, to operate the counter while holding oi theenergization of relay D20 in a similar manner. Lastly, the secondaryrelay D20 is allowed to become energized to operate the counter, therebycompleting the registration of three axle counts for the three treadlessimultaneously actuated.

Thus, as several treadles are simultaneously actuated, the secondaryrelays associated therewith are energized in a predetermined order tooperate the counting mechanism.

This invention, comprising the totalizing counting circuit as disclosedin Fig. l, may be expanded or reduced to include any number of In a verysimilar manner, if treadle D had been closed instead of B while relayC20 is energized, the operating relay D3 would be energized, energizingthe primary relay DIO. However, since the negative chain is broken atswitch C22-23, secondary relay D20 will not be energized until relay C20has actuated the counter and de-energized, allowing the negative chainto be re-established as far as switch arm DIS. Relay D20 will then beenergized and actuate the counter E registering the second count.

counting stations. To expand the circuit, it is necessary only to extendthe positive and negative chains to include as many counting stations asdesired. The operating relays and the primary and secondary relays ofadditional stations are interconnected with the counter and the treadlesin a manner similar to that described and shown in the drawings, the rstand last stations being similar to stations A and D, and theintermediary stations being similar to stations B and C.

It will now be noted that only one count is made on the counter for oneactuation of a treadle switch irrespective of the duration of theactuation.

Should any of the treadle switches be closed, such as B, for anyconsiderable length of time, the operating relay B3 will be energizedand remain energized as longvas treadle switchB is closed. 'I'he primaryrelay Bi0 becomes \ener gized in the manner heretofore described,closing the switch BIG-Bil, thereby continuing the 1xesgative chainthrough wire B30 to switch arm One end of coil B2i is connected to wire6| of the positive chain while the other end of said coil is connectedby wire B40 to the fixed con- Thus. when the circuit is previouslyinactive tact BIS.' Due to the energized condition of relay B3, switchBB-BI9 is held open thereby preventing the connection of the coil B2iinto the negative chain. Upon opening treadle switch B, the operatingrelay B3 will become de-energized thereby permitting the energization ofthe secondary relay B20. The circuit will then function as before,registering a single count for the one closure of the treadle switch.

Means is further provided in the circuit to permit the countingoperations of the remaining treadles should one or more of the treadlesbe shorted in any manner for any considerable length of time, as forexample, if a vehicle stops with a wheel on the treadle.

To this end, there are provided the switch arms A1, B1, C1, associatedwith the operating relays A3, B3 and C3. Said switch arms are nor,-mally in open position and are adapted to be moved into engagement withfixed contacts A8. B8 and C8, respectively, upon energizing the saidrelays. Switch arm A1 is connected by wires A42 and A43 to switch armA16, and by wires A42 and 48 to the iixed contact 33. The fixedv contactA8 is connected by wire A41 to xed contact A18. Switch arms B1 and C1are connected by wires B42 and C42 to the fixed contacts B18 and C18.Fixed contacts B8 and C8 are con nected by wires B41 and 80; and C41 and5i to fixed contacts A23 and B23, respectively, and by wires B41and`B43; and C41 and C43 to switch arms B16 and C18, respectively.

Should treadle D be shorted in lany manner, the operation of the circuitwould be the same as hereinabove described. The shorting of treadle Dwill energize the operating relay D3 thereby energizing the primaryrelay D10. The secondary relay D20 would in no way be energized as theenergization of the operating relay will open switch D9-D19 therebyopening the continuation of the negative chain. As all the othersecondary relays are connected into the negative chain ahead ofsecondary relay D20, the said relays will be energized in the mannerhereinbefore described.

Should treadle B be shorted in any manner, operating relay B3 willbecome energized, thereby closing switches B1B8 and B5B8 and openingswitch B9-B18. Closing switch B5--B8 will energize the primary relayB10, opening switch B16, B18. The secondary relay B20 cannot becomeenergized until switch Bil-B19 again closes, so that coil B21 of saidrelay may be connected into the negative chain.

If treadle C were to be actuated during the shorted condition of treadleB, the actuatior` of treadle C will be registered on the counter. Whenthe primary relay C10 becomes energized, switch 'CMA-CH' cios-2s, andwhen relay C3 becomes deenergized switch C9-C19 closes, therebyconnecting lthe coil C21 of the secondary relay C20 into the negativechain.

However, due to the shorting of treadle B, the primary relay B10 isenergized and holds switch B18-B18 open thereby breaking the negativechain at that point. The negative chain instead oi' passing through theswitch B16- B18 follows the shunt circuit around this break in the chainthrough wire B42, switch B1-B8, wire B41 to wire of the negative chain.The secondary relay C20 may then become energized and actuate thecounter E as hereinbefore described.

If treadle A were to be actuated while treadle B is shorted, thesecondary relay A20 will be energized in the identical manner asheretofore described. The shorting of treadle B does not af.

fest secondary relay A20 as it is connected into the negative chainahead of the break in said chain at open switch B18-C18. chain is notbroken because secondary relay B20 remains de-energized,

By preventing the secondary relays from becoming energized until therelease of the treadle switch, the positive chain is kept intact; and byThe positive the addition of the shunt circuits acrossI the switchesopened by the energization of the primary relays, the negative chain iskept intact, thus providing the means for energizing a secondary relayupon actuation of its treadle even though other treadles may be shortedin any manner and for any considerable iength oi' time.

The circuit of Fig. 2 schematically illustrates Y a counting system forregistering on the totalizing counter the passage of every other vehicleaxle in a lane. There is provided a four station totalizing countingcircuit similar to that disclosed in Fig. 1.

Associated with each treadle A, B, C, and D, are two operating relaysA10, A12; B10, B12, C10, C12; and D10, D12, respectively. The operatingrelays A10 and A12 have actuating coils A11 and A13, respectively,connected in series; operating relays B10 and B12 have actuating coilsB11 and B13, respectively, connected in series; operating relays C10'and C12 have actuating coils C11 and C13, respectively, connected inseries; and operating relays D10 and D12 have actuating coils D11 andD13, respectively, connected in series. The primary relays A10, B10, C10and D10 have two actuating coils A14, A15; B14, B15; C14, C15; and D14,D15, respectively.

Associated with the operating relays A10, B10, C10 and D10, are theswitches A1-A8, A8,-A18; B1-B8, B11-B18; C1-C8, C8-C19; and D8- DIS,respectively, and their connections into the circuit as heretoforedescribed. Associated with the said operating relays are the switch armsA18, B16, C16 and D10, respectively. Switch arms A16, B18, C16 and D18are normally in engagement with xed contacts A11, B11, C11 and D11,

respectively, and are adapted to be moved out of engagement therewithand into engagement with fixed contacts A18, B18, C18 and D18,respectively, upon energizing said relays.

Associated with the operating relays A12, B12, C12 and D12, are theswitch arms A19, B18, C18 and D19, respectively, said switch arms beingnormally in open position and adapted to be moved into engagement withxed contacts A80, B80, C83 and D80, respectively, upon energizing theirrespective operating relays.

Associated with the primary relays A10, B10, C10 and D10, are theswitches A12-A13, A14- A15, A18-A11, A13; B12-B13, B14-B15, B16- B51,B18; C12-C13, C14-C15, C16-11, C18; and DIL-D13, D14-D15, DIE-D11, D18;respectively, and their connections into the circuit, as heretoforedescribed. Associated with the said primary relays are make-before-breakswitches comprising switch arms A81, B81, C81 and D81, spring contactsA82, B82, C82, and D82, and fixed contacts A83, B83, C83 and D83,respectively. Said switch arms normally engage spring contacts A82, B82,C82 and D82, respectively, and are adapted to be moved into openposition upon energizing said primary relays. Fixed contacts A83, B83,C83 and D83 are adapted to be engaged by their respective springcontacts upon movement of the respective switch arms and before saidswitch arms break contact with their respective spring contacts.

Treadlev contacts A2, B2, C2 and D2 are connected by wires A84, B84, C84and D84 to the iixed contacts A83, B83, C83 and D83, respectively.Switch arms A16, B18, C18 and D16 are connected to the wires A84, B84,C84 and-D84 by wires A85, B85, C85 and D85, respectively. The fixedcontacts A18, B18, C18 and D18 are connected by wires A86, B86, C88 andD86 to B11, B13; C11, C13 and D11, D13, respectively. 5

' The fixed contacts A80, B80, C80 and D80 are connected' to coils A11,B11, C11 and D11, respectively. The ends of coils A13, B13, C18 and D13are connected to plus power supply. Switch arms A19, B10, C19, and D18are connectedrby l0 wires A88, B88, C88 and D08 to the spring contactsA82, B82, C82 and D82, respectively. Fixed contacts A18, B15, C15 andD10 are connected to one end of the coils A14, B14, C14 and D18, re-

spectively, while the other ends of said coils are l connected to pluspower supply. The coilsfA18, B15, C18 and D18 are connected to pluspower supply. The switch arms A81, B81, C81 and D81 are connected bywires A90, B80, C90 and D80 to the switch arms A14, B141, C and D14. re-20 spectively.

` When a wehicle traverses a treadle, such as A, and the front wheels ofthe vehicle close said switch, the operating relay A12 is energized, the

circuit being from minus power supplythrough treadle switch A, wires A84and A88, switch A16-A11, wire A81, and coil A13 to plus power supply.Energizing relay A12 will close switch A A19-A80. Coil A11 of the otheroperating relay is now connected into the circuit by the closure of saidswitch. However, operating relay A10- canot become energized as its coilis connected at one end to minus power supply through the switchesyA19-A80, ABI-A82, wires A90 and A and switch A26-A21, and at its otherend 35 to the minus power supply through the treadle\ switch A. As thefront wheels release treadle A, relay A10 thereupon becomes'energized inseries with relay A12, the circuit being minus power and A18 and A80,thecoils A11 and'A13 to plus power supply. Energizing relay A10 willopen switches A18-A11 and Ail-A19 and close switches A18-A18 and A1-A8.

When the rear wheels of a vehicle pass over 45 and close treadle A forthe second time, primary relay A10 will become energized, the circuitbeing from minus power supply through switch Al--A2, wires A84 and A85,switch A18-A18, wire A08,

coil A15 to plus power supply. Energizing the 50 primary relay A10 willclose switch A14-A15 completing a holding circuit for coil A14 throughthe said switch and switch A26-A21, and open switch AS1-A82. In openingswitch ABI-A82 contact is made by the spring contact A82 and 55 iixedcontact A83, thus completing a circuit to hold the operating relays A10and A12 energized through the treadle switch A,

Upon release of the treadle switch A, the operating relays A10 and A12become de-energiz'ed 60 allowing the counting circuit to operate in amanner identical to that heretofore described in connection with Fig. 1.The -secondary relay A20 then becomes energized, de-energizing theprimary relay A10, thereby actuating the counter E. Thus, only one countis registered for the passage of two vehicle axles over the treadle A.The counter E will be similarly operated upon every other actuation oftreadles B, C, and D.

It will be noted that the lcircuit disclosed in Fig.l 2 has theidentical positive and negative chains as disclosed in Fig. 1. SwitchesA1-A8, B1-B8, and' C1--C8, and their respective cony nections are alsoprovided for the purpose of al- B12 will be energized alone.

other than the one having its respective treadle switch snorted.Similarly, the switches A9AI8, B9-B19, C11-C18 and D8-D19 are alsoprovided in association with the operating relays A10, B10, C10 and D10,respectively, to prevent the energization of the secondary relays shouldtheir respective treadle switches be shorted.

It will be further noted that should a treadle switch, such as B, beshorted, or closed for along period, as and for a iirst closure,operating relay Operating relay B10 or the primary relay B10 will not beaiected by such a closure. It'` will only be upon the subsequent openingof treadle switch B that these relays will be energized as hereinbeforedescribed.

'and D20.

In tramo counting installations where it is necessary to independentlytotalize vehicles travcling in opposite directions, an alternativeembodiment of this invention provides two counters,

and permits the directional totalization of vehicles traveling over thehighway. Fig. 3 represents a totalizing counting circuit adapted for useon a three-lane highway in which one outside lane has tramo moving inone direction, the other outside lane has trafiic moving in the oppositedirection, while the center lane may have trailic moving in eitherdirection.

Accordingly a treadle F is embedded in an outside lane to be actuated byvehicles passing in that lane in one direction, and a. treadle Gembedded in the other outside lane to be actuated byrvehicles passing inthat lane in the opposite direction. In the center lane, two treadlesare embedded, M and N, and so disposed in said lane that the wheels ofan axle moving in that lane will rst close one and then the other,meanwhile holding the first treadle closed, and then release the ilrstclosed treadle switch and then the second.

Associated with treadle switch F are the operating relay F3, the primaryrelay F10 and the secondary relay F20.4 Associated with treadle switch Mare the operating relay M3, primary4 relay M10 and secondary relay M20.The counting circuit 4for the treadles F and M includes glounter E fortotalizing the count in one direc- Associated with treadle G are theoperating relay G3, the primary relay G10 and the secondary relay G20,while treadle N has associated therewith the operating relay N3, theprimary relay N10 and the secondary relay N20. The counting circuit forG and N includes counter RE for totalizing the count in the oppositedirection. The two totalizing circuits are similar in construction andidentical in function and mode of operation to the four stationtotalizing circuit disclosed in Fig. 1.

Associated with treadle switch M are three relays M8, M25 and M88 havingactuating coils lowing the energization of the secondary relays M9,M28-M21',' and M29, respectively, Treadle switch N has associatedtherewith three similar vrelays N8, N25', and N28, having actuatingcoils mally held open but upon energization of said relay will engageiixed contact NI 2. Switch arms NI3 and N|5 are normally in engagementwith ilxed contacts N|4 and NIS, respectively, and are adapted to bemoved into open position upon energiza-tion of said relay.

Associated with the relay M25 are three switch arms MI1, MIS, and M23.Switch arms M|1 and MI! are normally open and are adapted to engage xedcontacts M|8 and M2I, respectively, upon energization of said relay.Switch arm M23 normally engages xed contact M24 and is adapted to ibemoved into open position upon energization of said relay.

Associated with the relay M25 are three switch arms NI1, N|9 and N23.Switch arms N|1 and NI3 are normally open, and are adapted to engage xedcontacts N|8 and N2i, respectively, upon energization of said relay.Switch arm N23 normally engages fixed contact N24 and is adapted to bemoved into open position upon energization of said'relay.

Associated with the relay M28 are two switch arms M3| and M33. Switcharm M3I normally engages iixed contact M32 and is adapted to be movedinto open position upon energization of said relay. Switch arm M33 isnormally open and is adapted to engage xed contact M34 upon energizationof said relay.

Associated with the relay N28 are two switch` arms N3| and N33. Switcharm N3I normally engages fixed contact N32 and is adapted to be movedinto open position upon energization of said relay. Switch arm N33 isnormally open i and is adapted to engage iixed contact N34 uponenergization of said relay.

Treadle contacts MI and NI are connected to minus power supply. TreadleContact M2 is 'connected by wire IIS to switch arm N23 and by wires ||9and |20 to `one end of coil M9 of relay M8. The other end of coil M8 isconnected to plus power supply. Treadle contact N2 is connected yby wireto switch arm M23 and by wires ||5 and ||6 to one end of coil N9 ofrelay is connected to plus power supply and the other end by wire ||4 toswitch arm MIS. Switch arm M|1 is connected by wire |I3 to one end ofcoil M28, the other end of said coil being connected to plus powersupply.

Coil N28 is connected at one end to plus power supply and at the otherend by wire III to ilxed contact M24. Coil M21 is connected at one endto plus power supply and at its other end by wire ||8 to switch armNIS.

The fixed contacts M32, M34, N32 and N34 are connected to minus powersupply. Switch arm M33 is connected by wire |23 to the coil of operatingrelay M3 and switch arm N33 is connected by wire |24 to the coil ofoperating relay Switch arm NI3 is connected to minus power supply.Switch arm NI1 is connected by wire I I1 to one end of coil N23, theother end of said coil being connected to plus power supply.

'I'he operation of the circuit interconnecting the treadles M and N willnow be described when a vehicle axle passes over the treadles in thecenter lane closing treadle M iirst, and then treadle N.

Upon closing treadle switch M, relay M8 will be energized, the circuitbeing minus power supply through treadle switch M, wires ||9 and |20,coil M8 to plus power supply. Relay M25 is also energized by the closureof said switch, the energizing circuit being from minus power supply,wire |l9, switch N23-N24, wire II2, coil M26 to plus power supply.

As the vehicle wheels progress along the center lane, treadle switch Nis also closed energizing relay N8, the circuit being from minus powersupply through treadle switch N, wires I|5 and IIB, coil N9, to pluspower supply. The closing of treadle switch N also completes a circuitthrough coil M21 of relay M25, the circuit being from plus power supply,coil M21, wire ||4, switch Ml9-M2I, wires |09 and |02, switch Nil-N12,wires los and |05, switch Mal-'M32 to minus power supply.

As the vehicle continues, treadle switch M is released thereby breakingthe circuit for coil M3 and releasing relay M8. The circuit for coll M26of relay M25 is also opened by release of said treadle switch, but relayM25 is held energized by the influence of coil M21. As relay M8 becomesde-energized, switch MI5-MIB closes and completes a holding circuit forcoil M21, the circuit being from plus power supply, coil M21, wire N8.The other end of said coil is connected to plusl power supply.

The switch arm MII is connected by wires |03 and |01 to switch arms N|5and N3I. Switch arm M|3 is connected by wires |04 and |08 to the iixedcontacts MIB and NI8. Switch arm MI5 is connected by wire |05 to switcharm M3! and by wires |05 and |06 to switch arm NII. Fixed contact M|2 isconnected by wire |00 to fixed contact NIS and by wires |00 and III tofixed contact N2I. Fixed contact M|4 is connected by wire |0| to fixedcontact NI4. Fixed contact MIS is connected by wire |02 to xed contactN|2 and by wires |02 and |09 to fixed contact M2 One end of coil M28 isconnected to plus power supply and the other end is connected by wireII2 to iixed contact N24. One end of coil M21 ||4, switch M|9-M2|, wires|09 and |02, switch MI5-MIG, wire |05, switch M33-M34 to minus powersupply.

As the wheels of a vehicle roll off treadle N, relay N8 becomesde-energized. Relay M25 remains energized due to the above-mentionedholding circuit. The release of relay N8 completes a circuit throughcoil M29 of relay M28, the circuit being from plus power supply, throughthe coil M29, Wire ||3, switch Mi1-Ml8, wires |08 and |04, switchMI3-MI4, wire Ilil, switch N|3-N|4, to minus power supply. Energizingrelay M28 will-close switch M33-M34 to energize the operating relay M3,the circuit being from' minus power supply through said switch and wire|23 to the coil of the operating relay. Switch M3 |-M32 opensde-energizing relay M25, in turn de-energizing the relay M28. y

By closing switch M33-M34 and energizing the operating relay M3, thecounting circuit will be operated to actuate the counter E in the mannerheretofore described.

In a similar manner counter RE will be actuated when a vehicle passesover the center lanc in the `opposite direction closing the treadleswitch N and then treadle switch M. Switch N33-N34 will close energizingthe operating relay N3, thereby operating the counting circuit toactuate the counter RE.

It will be seen, therefore, that all vehicle axles moving in onedirection, whether moving on a uni-directional lane, or on thetwo-directional lane, will register the passage of said axles on thetotalizing counter E; and that all vehicle axles moving in the oppositedirection, whether moving on the other uni-directional lane or on thetwodirectional lane, will register the passage of said axles on thetotalizing counter RE.

It will also be understood that the directional totalizing circuitillustrated in Fig. 3, and herein described, can be expanded to includea combination of any number of uni-directional lanes carrying traflic inone direction, any number of uni-directional lanes carrying traino inthe opposite direction, and any number of two-directional lanes. For aplurality of two-directional lanes, the circuit interconnecting thetreadle switches M and N is multiplied for each additional lane andswitch MSS-M34 is connected to an added station in the counting circuitof counter E and switch N33-N34 is connected to an added station in thecounting' circuit of counter RE.

It Will furthermore be noted that the directional'counting circuitillustrated in Fig. 3 may be used to count every other vehicle axleinstead of every axle. In such case, the additions made to the circuitof Fig. 1 and illustrated by Fig. 2, are made in the circuit asdisclosed. The first closure of switch M33-1V1'34 or NSS-N313 wouldenergize the first of the operating relays, and the subsequent openingof said switch energizing the other operating relay. The second closureof switch M33-M3li or N33-N3 energizes the primary relay therebyoperating the respective counting circuits.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which theseveral objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adaptedto meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention,and as various changes might be made in the embodiments above set forth,it is to be understood that all matter herein described, or 'shown lnthe accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent:

1. In combination, a plurality of switches, anV

electromagnetic counter having an electromagnet, means to energize theelectromagnet once for each actuation of any of said switches when theperiod between actuations of different switches is either greater orless than the time it takes for the counter to operate in making acount, and including means to prevent more than one energization of saidelectromagnet upon actuation of a switch, irrespective of the durationofactuation of that switch.

2. In apparatus for checking the trac on a highway having more than twolanes, a treadle for each lane of the highway, adapted to be actuated byvehicles passing along said lane, a counting means including anelectromagnet, means to energize said electromagnet upon actuation ofany of said treadles, when said treadles are actuated either alone orsubstantially simultaneously and to prevent making a count on saidcounting means upon actuation of any treadle if said treadle is notrestored to initial condition, and including means to prevent more thanone count on said counting means upon actuation of a treadleirrespective of the duration of actuation thereof.

3. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit connecting said switches and saidelectromagnet, said circuit means to energize said electromagnet uponactuation of any of said switches, when said switches are actuatedeither alone or substantially simultaneously and including means toprevent more than one energization of said electromagnet by theactuation of said switches irrespective of the duration of actuation ofsaid switches.

4. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit connecting said switches and saidelectromagnet, said circuit comprising means to energize saidelectromagnet upon actuation of any of said switches, when said switchesare actuated either alone or substantially simultaneously and includingmeans to prevent more than one energization of said electromagnet by theactuation of said switches irrespective of the duration of actuation ofsaid switches, and including means to energize said electromagnet eachtime a switch is actuated while another switch remains in actuatedcondition.

5. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit connecting said switches and saidelectromagnet, said circuit comprising means to energize saidelectromagnet upon actuation of any of said switches, when said switchesare actuated either alone or substantially simultaneously and includingmeans to prevent more than one energization of said electromagnet by theactuation of said switches irrespective of the duration of actuation ofsaid switches, and including means to energize said electromagnet eachtime a switch is actuated while one or more of the other switches remainin actuated condition.

6. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counter,a circuit interconnecting said switches and said counter, including aprimary and a secondary relay for each switch, means for energizing eachprimary relay upon actuating its switch, means to hold said primaryrelays energized upon release of their switches, means to energize saidsecondary relays upon energizing the primary relays associated therewithand release of their respective switches, means to release the primaryrelays upon energizing their secondary relays, and means to actuate saidelectromagnetic counter upon release of an energized primary relay.

'7. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counter,a circuit interconnecting said switches and said counter, including aprimary and a secondary relay for each switch, means for energizing eachprimary relay upon actuating its switch, means to hold said primaryrelays energized upon release of their switches, means to energize saidsecondary relays upon energizing the primary relays associated therewithand release of their respective switches, means to release the primaryrelays upon enercomprising' gizing their secondary relays, means toactuate said electromagnetic counter upon release of an energizedprimary relay, and means controlled by said primary and secondary relaysto prevent more than one secondary relay i'rom being actuated shouldmore than one switch be actuated substantially simultaneously, until thesecondary relay which has been energized releases its primary relayresulting in actuation oi' the counter, thereby permitting anothersecondary relay to be energized to release its primary relay for causinganother actuation o! said counter.

8. In combination, a plurality ot switches, an electromagnetic counter,a circuit interconnecting said switches and said counter, including aprimary and a secondary relay for each switch. means for energizing eachprimary relay upon actuating its switch, means to hold said primaryrelays energized upon release ci their switches, means to energize saidsecondary relays upon energizing the primary relays associated therewithand release oi' their respective 'switchesl means to release the primaryrelays upon encrgizing their secondary relays, means to actuate saidelectromagnetic counter upon release of a primary' relay, and meanscontrolled by said primary and secondary relays to prevent more than onesecondary relay from being actuated should more than one switch beactuated substantially simultaneously, until the secondary relay whichhas been energized releases its primary relay resulting in actuation ofthe counter, thereby permitting another secondary relay to be energizedto release its primary relay for causing another actuation of saidcounter, and means for releasing the primary relays upon energizing thesecondary relays including means to prevent release of the primaryrelays unless the switches associated with said primary relays have beenpreviously released.

9. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counter,a circuit interconnecting said switches and said counter, including aprimary and a secondary relay for each switch, means for energizing eachprimary relay upon actuating its switch, means to hold said primaryrelays energized upon release of their switches, means to energize saidsecondary relays upon energizing the primary relays associated therewithand -release oi their respective switches, means to release the primaryrelays upon energizing their secondary relays, means to actuate saidelectromagnetic counter upon release of a primary relay, meanscontrolled by said primary and secondary relays to prevent more than onesecondary relay from being actuated should more than one switch beactuated substantially simultaneously, until the secondary relay whichhas been energized releases its primary relay resulting in actuation ofthe counter, thereby permitting another secondary relay to be energizedto release its primary relay for causing another actuation of saidcounter, the means for releasing the primary relays upon energizing thesecondary relays including means to prevent release oi' the primaryrelays unless the switches associated with said primary relays have beenpreviously released, and including means to prevent more than one counton said counter upon actuation of a switch irrespective of the durationof actuation of said switch.

10. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including an operating reto energize the primaryrelays upon energization of their respective operating relays, means tohold said primary relays energized upon de-energization of theirrespective operating relays, means to energize said secondary relaysupon deenergizing the operating relays associated therewith, means torelease the primary relays upon energizing their respective secondaryrelays, and means to energize said electromagnet upon release of aprimary relay.

. l1. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagneticcounter having an electromagnet, a circuit interconnecting said switchesand said electromagnet, including an operating relay,

a primary relay, and a secondary relay for each' oi said switches, meansfor energizing each operating relay upon actuating its switch, means toenergize the primary relays upon energization of their respectiveoperating relays, means to hold said primary relays energized upondeenergization of their respective operating relays, means to energizesaid secondary relays upon deenergizing the operating relays associatedtherewith, means to release the primary relays upon energizing theirrespective secondary relays, means to energize said electromagnet uponrelease of a primary relay, and means controlled by said primary andsecondary relays to prevent more than one secondary relay from beingenergized should more than one switch be actuated substantiallysimuitaneously until the secondary relay which has been energized opensits primary relay, resulting in the energization oi' the electromagnet,thereby permitting another secondary relay to be energized to open its.primary relay for causing another energization of said electromagnet.

12. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including an operating relay, a primary relay, and asecondary relay for each of said switches, means for energizing eachoperating relay upon actuating its switch, means to energize the primaryrelays upon energization of their respective operating relays,

means. to hold said primary relays energized upon de-energization oi'their respective operating relays, means to energize said secondaryrelays upon deenergizing the operating relays associated therewith,means to release the primary relays upon energizing their respectivesecondary relays, and means to energize said electromagnet upon releaseof a primary relay, the means i'or releasing the primary relays uponenergizing their respective secondary relays including means to preventrelease of the primary relay unless the operating relays associated withsaid primary relays have been previously deenergized.

l3. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, a. circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including an operating relay, a primary relay, and asecondary relay for each of said switches, means for energizing eachoperating relay upon actuating its switch, means to energize the primaryrelays upon energization of their respective operating relays, means tohold said primary relays energized upon deenergization of theirrespective operating relays, means to energize said secondary relaysupon deenergizing the operating relays associated therewith, means torelease the primary relays upon energizing their respective secondaryrelays, means to energize said electromagnet upon release oi a primaryrelay, and said circuit including means to prevent more than oneenergization of said electromagnet by actuation ot said switches,irrespective of the duration of ac tuation of said switches.

i4. In combination, a plurality of, an electromagnetic counter having anelectromagnet, a circuit interconnecting said switches and saidelectromagnet. including an operating relay, a primary relay, and asecondary relay for each oi said switches. means for energizing eachoperating relay upon actuating the switch, means to energize the primaryrelays upon en-f ergization of their respective operating relays, meansto hold said primary relays energized upon dce-energization of theirrespective operating relays, means to energize said secondary relaysupon deenergizing the operating relays associated therewith, means torelease the primary relays 'upon energizing their respective secondaryre lays, means to energize said electromagnet upon release of a primaryrelay, said circuit including means to prevent more than oneenergization of said electromagnet by actuation o'f said switches,irrespective of the duration of actuation of said switches, andincluding means to energize said electromagnet when one or more of saidswitches are actuated while another switch remains in actuatedcondition.

ergization of their respective operating relays, means to energize saidsecondary relays upon deenergizing the operating relays associatedtherewith, means to release the primary relays upon energizing theirrespective secondary relays,and means to energize said electromagnetupon release of a primary relay, means controlled by said primary andsecondary relays to prevent more than one secondary relay from beingenergized should more than one switch be actuated substantiallysimultaneously until the secondary relay which has been energized opensits primary relay, resulting in the energization of the electromagnet,thereby permitting another secondary relay to be energized to open itsprimary relay for causing another energization of said electromagnet,the means for releasing the primary relays upon energizing theirrespective secondary relays including means to prevent release of theprimary relays unless the operating relays associated with said primaryrelays have been previously de-energized, and said circuit includingmeans to prevent more than one energization of 15. In combination, aplurality oi. switches, an

electromagnetic counter having an electromagnet, a circuitinterconnecting said switchesand said electromagnet, including anoperating relay, a primary relay, and a secondary relay for each of saidswitches, means for energizing each operatingl relay upon actuating itsswitch, means to energize the primary relays upon energization of theirrespective operating relays, means to hold said primary relays energizedupon deenergization of their respective operating relays, means toenergize said secondary relays upon deenergizing the operating relaysasso ciated therewith, means to release the primary relays uponenergizing their respective secondary relays, means to energize saidelectromagnet upon release of a primary relay, and means controlled bysaid primary and secondary relays to prevent more than one secondaryrelay from being energized should more than one switch be actuatedsubstantially simultaneously until the secondary relay which has beenenergized opens its primary relay, resulting in the energization of theelectromagnet, thereby permitting another secondary relay to beenergizedto open its primary relay for causing another energization ofsaid electromagnet, the means for releasing the primary relays uponenergizing their respective seci,

ondary relays including means to prevent release of the primary relaysunless the operating relays associated with said primary relays havebeen previously de-energized.

16. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including an operating relay, a primary relay, and asecondary relay for each of said switches, means for energizing eachoperating relay upon actuating its switch, means to energize the primaryrelays upon energization of their respective operating relays, means tohold said primary relays energized upon de-ensaid electromagnet byactuation of said switches. irrespective of the duration of actuation ofsaid switches.

17. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, acircuit interconnecting said switches and saidelectromagnet, including an operating relay, a primary relay, and asecondary relay for each of said switches, means for energizing eachoperating relay upon actuating its switch, means to energize the primaryrelays upon energization of their respective operating relays, means tohold said primary relays energized upon de-energization of theirrespective operating relays, means to energize said secondary relaysupon deenergizing the operating relays associated therewith, means torelease the primary relays upon energizing their respective secondaryrelays, means to energize said electromagnet upon release of a primaryrelay, means controlled by said primary and secondary relays to preventmore than one secondary relay from being energized should more than oneswitch be actuated substantially simultaneously until the secondaryrelay which has been energized opens its primary relay, resulting in theenergization of the electromagnet. therebypermitting another secondaryrelay to be energized to open its'primary relay for causing anotherenergization of said electromagnet, the means for releasing the primaryrelays upon energizing their respective secondary relays including meansto prevent release of the primary relays unless the operating relayskassociated with said primary relays have been previously de-energized,means to prevent more than one energization of said electromagnet byactuation oi said switches, irrespective of the duration oi actuation ofsaid switches, and said circuit including means to energize saidelectromagnet when one or more of said switches are actuatedv whileanother switch remains in actuated condition.

1S. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit connecting said switches and saidelectromagnet, said circuit comprising means to energize saidelectromagnet once upon actuation ofvany of said switches apredetermined plurality of times, when said switches are actuated eitheralone or -substantially simultaneously, and including means to preventmore than one energization of said electromagnet by actuaenergization ofsaid electromagnet by actuation of one of said switches saidpredetermined plurality of times irrespective of the duration oiactuations of said switch, and including means to energize saidelectromagnet once when any of said switches are actuated said pluralityof times while another switch remains in actuated condition.

20. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit connecting said switches and saidelectromagnet, said circuit comprising means to energize saidelectromagnet once upon actuation of any of said switches apredetermined plurality of times, when said switches are actuated eitheralone or substantially simulta neously, and including mean tol preventmore than one energization of said electromagnet by actuation of one ofsaid switches said predetermined plurality of times irrespective of theduration of actuations of said switch, including means to energize saidelectromagnet once when any oi' vsaid switches are actuated saidplurality of times while another switch remains in actuated condition,and including means to energize said electromagnet once when any of saidswitches are actuated said plurality of times while one or more of theother switches remain in actuated condition.

21. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including a pair of operating relays for eachswitch, whose coils are connected in series; a primary and a secondaryrelay for each of said switches, means for energizing one ofsaid pair ofoperating relays upon actuating its switch, means Ior energizing theother of said pair of operating relays upon the subsequent opening ofits switch, means to energize the primary relays upon the subsequentclosure of its switch, means to hold said primary relays energized uponde-energization of their respective pair of operating relays, means toenergize said secondary relays upon deenergizing the operating relaysassociated therewith, means to release the primary relays uponenergizing their respective secondary relays, and means to energize saidelectromagnet upon release of a primary' relay.

22. In combination, a plurality of switches, an

relays energized upon de-energization of their respective pair ofoperating relays, means to energize said secondary relays upondeenergizing'the operating relays associated therewith, means to releasethe primary relays upon energizing their respective secondary relays,means to energize said electromagnet upon release of a primary relay,and means controlled by said primary and secondary relays to preventmore than one secondary relay from being energized should more than oneswitch be actuated substantially simultaneously until the secondaryrelay which has been energized opens its primary relay, resulting in theenergization of the electromagnet, thereby permitting another secondaryrelay to be energized to open its primary relay for causing anotherenergization of said electromagnet.

23. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including a pair of operating relays for eachswitch, whose coils are connected in series;l a primary and a secondaryrelay for each of said switches, means for energizing one of said pairof operating relays upon actuating its switch, means for energizing theother of said pair of operating relays upon the subsequent opening ofits switch, means to energize the primary relays upon the subsequentclosure of its switch, means to hold said primary relays energized uponde-energization of their respective pair of operating relays, means toenergize said secondary relays upon deenergizing the operating relaysassociated therewith, means to release the primary relays uponenergizing their respective secondary relays, means to energize theelectromagnet upon release of a primary relay, and means controlled bysaid primary and secondary relays to prevent more than one secondaryrelay from being energized should more than one switch be actuatedsubstantially simultaneously until the secondary relay which has beenenergized opens its primary relay, resulting in the energization of theelectromagnet, thereby permitting another secondary relay to beenergized to open its primary relay for causing another energization ofsaid electromagnet, the means for releasing the primary relays uponenergizing their respective secondary relays being operative only if theoperating relays associated with said primary relays have beenpreviously de-energized.

24. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including a pair of operating relays for eachswitch, whose coils are connected in series; a primary and a secondaryrelay for each of said switches, means for energizing one of said pairof operating relays upon actuating its switch, means for energizing theother of said pair of operating relays upon the subsequent opening ofits switch, means to energize the primary relays upon the subsequentclosure of its switch, means to hold said primary relays energized uponde-energization of their respective pair of operating relays, means toenergize said secondary relays upon deenergizing the operating relaysassociated therewith, means to release the primary relays uponenergizing their respective secondary relays, means to energize theelectromagnet upon release of a primary relay, and means controlled bysaid primary and secondary relays to prevent more than one secondaryrelay from being energized should more than one switch be actuatedysubstantially simultaneously until the secondary relay which has beenenergized opens its primary relay, resulting in the energization of theelectromagnet, thereby permitting another secondary relay to beenergized to open its primary relay for causing another energization ofsaid electromagnet, the means for releasing the primary relays uponenergizing their Yrespective secondary relays being operative only iithe operating relays associated with said primary relays have beenpreviously de-energized, and said circuit including means toprevent morethan one energization of said electromagnet by actuation of saidswitches, irrespective of the duration-of actuation of said switches.

25. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including a pair of operating relays for eachswitch, whose coils are connected in series; a primary and a secondaryrelay for each of said switches, means for energizing one of said pairof operating relays upon actuating its switch, means for energizing theother of said pair of operating relays upon the subsequent opening oiits switch, means to energize the primary relays upon the subsequentclosure of its switch, means to hold said primary relays energized uponde-energization of their respective pair of operating relays, means toenergize said secondary relays upon deenerthe primary relays uponenergizing their respective secondary relays, means to energize thegizing the operating relays associated therewith, y

means to release the primary relays upon energizing their respectivesecondary relays, means to energize the electromagnet upon release of aprimary relay, means controlled by said primary and secondary relays toprevent more than one secondary relay from being energized should morethan onevswitch be actuated substantially simultaneously until thesecondary relay which has been energized opens its primary relay,resulting in the energization of the electromagnet, thereby permittinganother secondary relay to be energized to open its primary relay forcausing another energization of said electromagnet, the means forreleasing the primary relays upon energizing their respective secondaryrelays being operative only if the operating relays associated with saidprimary relays have been previously de-energized,V said circuitincluding means to prevent more than one energization of saidelectromagnet by actuation of said switches, irrespective of theduration of actuation of said switches, and including means to energizesaid electromagnet when one or more of said switches are actuated whileanother switch remains in actuated condition.

26. In combination, a plurality of switches, an electromagnetic counterhaving an electromagnet, and a circuit interconnecting said switches andsaid electromagnet, including a pair of operating relays for eachswitch, whose coils are connected in series; a primary and a se-condaryrelay ior each of said switches, means for energizingone of said pair ofoperating relays upon actuating its switch, means for energizing theother of said pair of operating relays upon the subsequent opening ofits switch, means to energize the primary relays upon the subsequentclosure of its switch, means to hold said primary relays energized uponde-energization of their respective pair of operating relays, means toenergize said secondary relays upon deenergizing the operating relaysassociated therewith, means to release leasingthe primary relays upbnenergizing their respective secondary relays being operative only if theoperating relays associated with said primary relays have beenpreviously de-energized,y

and said circuit including means to prevent more than one energizationof said eiectromagnet by actuation of said switches, irrespective of theduration of actuation of said switches, and including means controled bythe second of said operating relays of each pair of said relays, vtopermit the energization of the secondary relays associated with theremaining switches, while one or more other switches remain actuated.

2'7. In a trailic counting system, two single switch treadles and amulti-switch treadle. each adapted to be disposed in separate lanes of ahighway and actuated by the wheels of vehicles as they roll over saidtreadles, a pair of counters, each of said counters having anelectromagnet, means to energize the first of said electromagnets forall actuations of the rst single switch treadle and multi-switch treadleactuated by vehicles going in one direction, and means to energize theother of said electromagnets for all actuations of the other singleswitch treadle and the multiswitch treadle actuated by vehicles going inan opposite direction. l y

28. In a trafc counting system, two single switch treadles and avmulti-switch treadle, each adapted to be disposed in separate lanes of ahighway and actuated by the wheels of vehicles as they roll over saidtreadles, a pair of counters, each of said counters having anelectromagnet, means to energize the first of said electromagnets forall actuations of the ilrst single switch treadle and multi-switchtreadle actuated by vehicles going in one direction, and means toenergize the other of said electromagnets for all actuations of theother single switch treadle and the multiswitch treadle actuated byvehicles going in an opposite direction, when said switches are actuatedeither alone or substantially simultaneously.

29. In a trafi'lc counting system, two single switch treadles and amulti-switch treadle, each adapted to be disposed in separate lanes of ahighway and actuated by the wheels of vehicles as they roll over saidtreadles, a pair of counters, each of said counters having anelectromagnet, means to energize the first of said electromagnets forall actuations of the first single switch treadle and multi-switchtreadle actuated by vehicles go- 'ing in one direction, means toenergize the other of said electromagnets for all actuations of theother single switch treadle and the multi-switch treadle actuated byvehicles going in an opposite direction, when said switches are actuatedeither alone or substantially simultaneously, and means included in saidrst and second mentioned means to prevent energization of saidelectromagnets upon actuation of their respective single switch treadiesirrespective of the duration oi actuation of said treadles.

30. In a traffic counting system, two single switch treadies and amulti-switch treadle, each adapted to be disposed in separate lanes of ahighway and actuated by the wheels of vehicles as they roll over saidtreadles, a pair of counters, each of said counters having anelectromagnet, means to energize the iirst of said ei'ectromagnets forali actuations oi the first single switch treadle and multi-switchtrcadle actuated by vehicles going in one direction, means to lenergizethe other of said electromagnets for all actuations of the other singleswitch treadle and the multi-switch treadle actuated by vehicles goingin an opposite direction, when said switches are actuated eitherrespective single switch treadles are actuated when one or more of theremaining treadles interconnected therewith remain in actuatedcondition. v

A BENJAMIN COOPER.

